Puttur, 16 September 2026: The fifth annual public Ganeshotsava organised by the Sri Lakshmivenkataramana Ganeshotsava Committee, Polya, in association with Geleyara Balaga, Polya, and Sri Veeranjaneya Friends, Padenjaru, was held with devotion and enthusiasm at the premises of Sri Matha, Polya, on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Programme was conducted under the guidance of Vedamurthy Miththuru Sri Gopalakrishna Bhat Nooji. Devotees and well-wishers participated in the celebrations and sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Eevent was led by honorary president Umashankar Edurkal, President Prasad Therakanda Polya, secretary Shivakumar, vice-presidents Eshwara Gowda Pulittadi, Poovappa Mulekadu and Girish Naik, treasurer Tulasi Mura, and joint secretary and honorary adviser Ramachandra Bhat Kudiplata.
Competitions for men, women and children
Registration for the competitions was completed by 9 a.m., and the events began at 9.30 a.m. Competitions for men included tug-of-war and pot breaking. Women participated in musical chairs, tug-of-war and pot-breaking events.
Children took part in age-group competitions such as frog jumping, lemon-and-spoon races, drawing a tail on an elephant while blindfolded, and sack races. A devotional singing competition was held at 2 p.m. in three age categories: 5–10 years, 10–16 years and above 16 years.
Cultural and religious programmes
Annasantarpane was arranged for devotees from 1 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. Prize distribution ceremony for the winners was held at 6 p.m., followed by a Kunitha Bhajane performance by the Nagapancha Daiva Kunitha Bhajana Team, Vidyamara, from 7 p.m.
Celebrations continued with Rangapuja for Lord Ganesha and distribution of prasada. Festival concluded with a grand procession in which the idol of Lord Ganesha was carried on the shoulders of devotees. Procession ended with the immersion of the idol at the Mulekadu lake.
Committee expressed its gratitude to chef Girish Bhat Polya and his team for preparing the food and refreshments, Dinesh Kaveri for providing a vehicle to transport the idol, the committee office-bearers, priests and assistants of Sri Matha, members of the management committee, volunteers, Puttur police personnel, MESCOM staff, and all devotees and well-wishers who extended their direct and indirect support.
Keywords: Polya Ganeshotsava, Public Ganeshotsava Polya, Sri Lakshmivenkataramana Ganeshotsava Committee, Puttur Ganeshotsava, Kunitha Bhajane, Ganesh idol immersion, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News Today, Citizen News Puttur